U. G. Krishnamurti: Collected Works

In "U. G. Krishnamurti: Collected Works," the reader is confronted with a compilation of reflections and dialogues that challenge the conventions of traditional philosophical discourse. Drawing from an array of subjects, including consciousness, existentialism, and the nature of thought, this collection exemplifies Krishnamurti's unique, sometimes provocative literary style that merges spontaneity with profound inquiry. It deconstructs spiritual ideologies and societal norms, offering a radical perspective that finds itself within the context of mid-20th-century philosophical thought, away from the prevalent doctrines of enlightenment and transcendence. U. G. Krishnamurti was a pioneering figure who distanced himself from established spiritual movements, such as those stemming from his namesake, Jiddu Krishnamurti. His personal experiences, including a transformative encounter in 1961 that he described as a 'calamity,' shaped his unconventional views on enlightenment, urging readers to question the very foundations of belief. His vast travels and dialogues with both laypersons and intellectuals lend credence to the depth of his insights, reflecting an earnest quest for authenticity in a complex world. This essential collection is highly recommended for readers who seek to question and explore the boundaries of thought and self. Krishnamurti's candid examinations will resonate with those engaged in the search for truth, making it a vital addition to any philosophical or spiritual library.

In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A comprehensive Introduction outlines these selected works' unifying features, themes, or stylistic evolutions.
- A Historical Context section situates the works in their broader era—social currents, cultural trends, and key events that underpin their creation.
- A concise Synopsis (Selection) offers an accessible overview of the included texts, helping readers navigate plotlines and main ideas without revealing critical twists.
- A unified Analysis examines recurring motifs and stylistic hallmarks across the collection, tying the stories together while spotlighting the different work's strengths.
- Reflection questions inspire deeper contemplation of the author's overarching message, inviting readers to draw connections among different texts and relate them to modern contexts.
- Lastly, our hand‐picked Memorable Quotes distill pivotal lines and turning points, serving as touchstones for the collection's central themes.

Uppaluri Gopala Krishnamurti, commonly known as U. G. Krishnamurti or simply U.G., was a philosopher who questioned the very basis of thought and the quest for enlightenment. Not to be conflated with his more famous contemporary Jiddu Krishnamurti, U.G. challenged the traditional concepts and approaches to spirituality, coining the term the 'natural state' to describe a psychological condition free from the strictures of cultural and social conditioning. His teachings, though not formalized into a cohesive philosophy, wove together skepticism and a radical approach to human consciousness, reflected eloquently in his 'U. G. Krishnamurti: Collected Works'. Born on July 9, 1918, in Masulipatam, India, U.G. spent his life travelling and engaging in conversations with people seeking answers to philosophical questions. His style was direct and uncompromising, often eschewing the traditional guru-disciple format. He was known for his penetrating insights as well as for dismissing the value system attached to enlightenment and the commercialization of spiritual pursuit. Krishnamurti's unorthodox perspective attracted followers from around the world who found in his words a resonating truth that transcended conventional religious and philosophical teachings. U.G. Krishnamurti passed away on March 22, 2007, but his enigmatic legacy continues to provoke thought and debate in the realm of contemporary spirituality and philosophy.